If you’re exploring Glacier National Park, continue your education at the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell. The museum’s “Crown of the Continent: Glacier National Park Permanent Exhibit” focuses on the history art inspired by the park and the Great Northern Railway through the brushes, lenses and words of artists.
At the turn of the century, the Great Northern Railroad commissioned artists to illustrate guidebooks, brochures, maps and posters to promote the region. The rotating permanent collection at the museum highlights the connection between these artists intertwined with Glacier’s history.
The artwork is as accessible to art critics as it is to tourists. Many of the pieces are recognizable to anyone who has visited the park. A trip through the museum is a step back in time to the way the park once was and how it is developing.
How to get there: From Main Street, downtown Kalispell, turn east on Third Street. The museum is two blocks down on the corner of Third Street and Second Avenue East.
Hours: Tues. – Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.